Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

SOC code 13-2081 · O*NET-SOC 13-2081.00 · Medium preparation needed · Business and finance

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$62,370

a year

Hourly

$29.98

per hour

10th$42,000Median$62,37090th$114,550

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$70,520

$33.91 per hour

Middle 50%

$49,450 – $83,390

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$42,000 – $114,550

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

56,610

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $42,000; $20.19/hr
25th percentile: $49,450; $23.77/hr
Median percentile: $62,370; $29.98/hr
75th percentile: $83,390; $40.09/hr
90th percentile: $114,550; $55.07/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

-2%

Declining

57,600

jobs in 2024

56,500

projected for 2034

About 1,100 fewer jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What do tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents do?

Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Collect taxes from individuals or businesses according to prescribed laws and regulations.
Send notices to taxpayers when accounts are delinquent.
Determine appropriate methods of debt settlement, such as offers of compromise, wage garnishment, or seizure and sale of property.
Check tax forms to verify that names and taxpayer identification numbers are correct, that computations have been performed correctly, or that amounts match those on supporting documentation.
Examine and analyze tax assets and liabilities to determine resolution of delinquent tax problems.
Impose payment deadlines on delinquent taxpayers and monitor payments to ensure that deadlines are met.
Confer with taxpayers or their representatives to discuss the issues, laws, and regulations involved in returns, and to resolve problems with returns.
Notify taxpayers of any overpayment or underpayment, and either issue a refund or request further payment.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 34% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Bachelor's Degree34%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree26%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)23%
Some College Courses14%

Common questions

How much does a tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents earn?

The national median is $62,370 a year. The full range runs from $42,000 at the 10th percentile to $114,550 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Is tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to shrink by about 2% between 2024 and 2034 — declining. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension4.0/5
Active Listening4.0/5
Speaking4.0/5
Critical Thinking3.9/5
Writing3.3/5
Mathematics3.3/5
Active Learning3.3/5
Monitoring3.3/5

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service4.3/5
English Language4.1/5
Mathematics3.9/5
Administrative3.9/5
Law and Government3.7/5
Economics and Accounting3.5/5
Administration and Management3.4/5
Computers and Electronics2.6/5

Transferable strengths: Judgment and Decision Making, Social Perceptiveness.